Why was world war 2 called the good war?

Why was World War 2 called the Good War?

World War 2 is often referred to as the "Good War" due to its stark contrast to the preceding global conflict, World War 1. The term "Good War" was coined by historian Paul Fussell in his 1975 book "The Great War and Modern Memory." Fussell argued that World War 2 was a morally justifiable conflict, fought against a clear enemy, whereas World War 1 was a messy, brutal, and ultimately futile war.

The War Against Fascism and Totalitarianism

One of the primary reasons World War 2 is considered the "Good War" is because it was fought against fascist and totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. These regimes were characterized by their brutal suppression of individual rights, freedoms, and human dignity. The Allies, on the other hand, were united in their opposition to these regimes and fought to defend democratic values and principles.

The Allies’ Moral High Ground

The Allies had a strong moral claim to the war effort, as they were fighting to defend the principles of liberty, equality, and justice. The United States, in particular, was seen as a beacon of freedom and democracy, having emerged from the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl to become a global economic powerhouse. The Soviet Union, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, was also seen as a force for good, as it had played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany.

The Just War Theory

The Just War Theory, which was first articulated by St. Augustine in the 5th century, provides a framework for evaluating the morality of war. The theory states that war is justified only when it meets certain conditions, including:

• Just Cause: The war must be fought for a just and legitimate reason, such as self-defense or the defense of others.
• Right Intentions: The war must be fought with the intention of promoting justice and peace, rather than personal gain or aggression.
• Proportionality: The harm caused by the war must be proportional to the harm being sought to prevent.
• Last Resort: The war must be fought only after all other means of resolving the conflict have been exhausted.

World War 2 can be seen as a just war in the eyes of many historians and ethicists, as it was fought against regimes that were guilty of aggressive war, genocide, and other atrocities. The Allies’ just cause was clear, and their intentions were to defend democracy, human rights, and the principles of international law.

The War’s Impact on the World

The outcome of World War 2 had a profound impact on the world. The war led to the defeat of fascist and totalitarian regimes, and the establishment of the United Nations, which was founded in 1945 with the aim of promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations. The war also led to the development of the international law of war, which was codified in the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Conventions.

Conclusion

World War 2 is often referred to as the "Good War" because it was fought against regimes that were guilty of unspeakable atrocities, and because the Allies had a strong moral claim to the war effort. The war was fought in defense of democratic values and principles, and its outcome had a profound impact on the world. The war also demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and the need for a global framework for preventing future conflicts.

Table: The Main Reasons World War 2 is Considered the Good War

Bullets List: Key Points to Remember

• World War 2 was fought against regimes that were guilty of unspeakable atrocities.
• The Allies had a strong moral claim to the war effort, as they were fighting to defend democratic values and principles.
• The war was fought in accordance with the Just War Theory.
• The outcome of the war led to the defeat of fascist and totalitarian regimes, and the establishment of the United Nations.
• The war demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and the need for a global framework for preventing future conflicts.